D.G. Moore is a Michigan criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending individuals accused of child-related offenses, including Contributing to the Neglect or Delinquency of a Minor. This guide explains Michigan’s laws under MCL 750.145, covering legal definitions, penalties, defenses, and what to do if you are facing charges.

Michigan Penal Code Section 750.145 – Contributing to the Neglect or Delinquency of a Minor

Michigan Penal Code Section 750.145, “Minor; contributing to neglect or delinquency,” makes it a misdemeanor for any person to encourage, contribute to, cause, or tend to cause a minor under 17 to become neglected or delinquent.

Understanding Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Michigan

Under MCL 750.145, contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a minor is a misdemeanor offense in Michigan. This law applies to any adult who encourages, enables, or contributes to illegal or delinquent behavior in a person under 17 years old.

A person may be charged under MCL 750.145 even if the minor does not actually engage in delinquent behavior. The law penalizes both direct and indirect contributions to a minor’s potential neglect or delinquency.

Common Examples of Contributing to a Minor’s Delinquency

• Allowing underage drinking at a house party.
• Furnishing alcohol or drugs to a minor.
• Encouraging truancy or failing to ensure school attendance.
• Exposing a minor to illegal activities, such as theft or drug-related offenses.
• Providing a minor with a fake ID to purchase alcohol or enter adult-only establishments.

Legal Elements of Contributing to the Neglect or Delinquency of a Minor

To convict an individual under MCL 750.145, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. An adult committed an act or failed to perform a legal duty.
   • This could be an affirmative action (e.g., providing alcohol) or an omission (e.g., failing to intervene in delinquent behavior).
2. The act or omission caused or had the potential to cause a minor to:
   • Become delinquent,
   • Become neglected, or
   • Become a habitual truant under Michigan law.
3. The minor was under the age of 17.

Penalties for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Michigan

A conviction under MCL 750.145 carries significant legal consequences.

Full text of MCL 750.145 – Michigan Legislature

Other Consequences of a Conviction

• Permanent criminal record impacting employment and housing.
• Potential CPS investigation and loss of custody rights.
• Restricted ability to work with children in education, childcare, or healthcare fields.
• Ineligibility for certain professional licenses.

Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS) Reporting

Defenses Against Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Charges

If you have been accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a strong legal defense is crucial. Common defense strategies include:

1. False Accusations

• Individuals may be wrongly accused due to misunderstandings, personal vendettas, or parental disputes.
• Witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony can help disprove false allegations.

2. Mistaken Age Defense

• If a minor misrepresented their age, this may be a valid defense.
• The defendant must show they reasonably believed the minor was 17 or older.

3. Lack of Intent or Knowledge

• If the accused did not know the minor was engaging in illegal activity, this may be a defense.
• The prosecution must prove the defendant knowingly contributed to the minor’s delinquency.

4. Parental Consent

• In some cases, if a minor’s parent or guardian consented to certain actions, the defendant may not be held criminally liable.

Understanding Your Rights – ACLU Guide

How an Experienced Michigan Defense Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one is facing contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges, it is crucial to act fast. A conviction can result in jail time, permanent criminal records, and career limitations. Many cases can be reduced or dismissed with the right defense strategy.

At D.G. Moore Law, we have successfully defended clients against child-related misdemeanor and felony charges by:

✔ Challenging weak evidence and false allegations.
✔ Negotiating with prosecutors for charge reductions.
✔ Presenting strong legal defenses to secure dismissals.
✔ Ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

Call D.G. Moore Law at (269) 808-8007 today for a confidential case evaluation.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Juvenile Crime Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Michigan?

A conviction for contributing to a minor’s delinquency carries a misdemeanor charge with penalties of up to 90 days in jail, $500 in fines, community service, and probation.

Can a minor be charged with delinquency if no crime was committed?

Yes. Michigan law does not require a minor to have actually committed an act of delinquency for an adult to be charged. It is enough if the adult’s actions could have contributed to the minor’s potential delinquency.

Can I be charged if I didn’t know the person was under 17?

Yes, but you may have a defense. If the minor misrepresented their age, this may be a valid legal argument to dismiss the charges.

Can I get this charge expunged from my record?

Possibly. Michigan allows certain misdemeanors to be expunged, including contributing to a minor’s delinquency, depending on criminal history and the time elapsed since the conviction.

What should I do if I am accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor?

• Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney.
• Gather evidence (witness testimony, communications, security footage).
• Contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney immediately.